Greetings Earthlings!

Are you ready to dive into this week’s microstories? It may be January, but the pool is heated and I’ll be here to hand out warm towels when you get out. Just hold your breath (and maybe your nose) when you go under.

Whether this is the first time you are taking the microstory plunge or you have a frequent swimmer punch card, I’m glad you are here. Take a deep breath before you jump and make sure you remember how to swim. The rules are below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Answer the ultimate question in exactly 42 words: how deep was the water?

This week’s question requires: water (not some other liquid–step away from your Diet Coke) and a measurement of depth. Please note: we are asking about literal water in this case. No drowning in your lover’s eyes or any such thing. Also remember, I asked how deep was the water, so your answer ought to be in past tense.

Don’t get disqualified on a technicality

COUNT YOUR WORDS. Use your eyes, not your word processor. Your post may not be eligible for voting if you go over or under 42 words. And remember, any words surrounding your microstory — explanations, references, footnotes, shout-outs, etc. — will be counted against your 42-word limit. (The only exception is photo credits.)

PROOFREAD. Nothing is easier, and nothing will get you bumped from the voting grid faster than typos, spelling or punctuation mistakes, or grammatical errors. You’ve only got 42 words; mistakes stick out.

ANSWER THE QUESTION. We try to give you some basic guidelines with every question; pay attention to what we’re looking for. Keep in mind that your post has to make sense if your reader doesn’t know the question. Don’t use the question as your title or anywhere else in your piece.

Need a second set of eyes? Find yourself a writing partner over in the yeah writecoffeehouse.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The top 42 entries will be open for voting on Thursday

You may enter only one gargleblaster microstory. Submissions are moderated. All entries will show up on our submissions grid, and up to 42 entries will be moved to the voting grid, which opens on Thursday. Everybody: read, comment, vote! Participation is the key to making this community work.

If you don’t make the voting grid, don’t despair – you’ll get a detailed love letter from our wonderful submissions editor, Rowan G., letting you know what needed improvement. Email us or head over to our pages on Facebook and Twitter with any questions.

Winners will be announced on Friday

Look for Friday’s combined winners’ post to see the crowd favorites and editors’ picks from across all of our challenge grids.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Submit to the yeah write microstory challenge

The yeah write weekly writing challenge is now open for microstories. You can check out the submission guidelines and join us with your 42-word microstory using the button below.